Resource Spotlight: Mass Innovation Nights
Resource Spotlight: Mass Innovation Nights
This week we talk with Bobbie Carlton, founder of Innovation Nights. Bobbie tells us all about what Innovation Nights entail, and how they empower the startup community in Boston – and now beyond!

GH: What is your name and role?
BC: Hi, I’m Bobbie Carlton. I’m one of the founders of Innovation Nights. (I also founded Innovation Women and Carlton PR & Marketing.) I’m generally known as the face of Mass Innovation Nights (MIN) but the reality is that there is a big team of MIN-ions who help make Mass Innovation Nights possible — everyone from Kristen Avini, our events director, to our awesome volunteers and the entire staff of Carlton PR & Marketing who help out every month. We also have great sponsors and hosts who welcome our events into their locations, and experts who support the events, manning the tables at every event and offering advice for entrepreneurs and startups. Speaking of which, where would we be without all the companies who launch cool new products with us? My primary role? I run the timer during the pitch portion of our events and glower at people when they run over.
GH: What is Innovation Nights?
BC: Innovation Nights are a monthly product showcase, launch party and networking events. Every month we help promote 10 (at least) new products using social media, our weekly newsletter and website. More than just a demo event and pitch night, we offer companies a way to get more visibility for their new products. (And you don’t have to be a startup – just have an innovative new product to launch. More established companies launch cool new products with us as well — IBM, LogMeIn and Progress Software come to mind.) Mass Innovation Nights guests include other entrepreneurs, investors, advisors, corporate and government attendees, service providers, job seekers and students/teachers.

GH: How can Boston startups benefit from what you do?
BC: Rarely do startups have enough money to support the marketing budgets and product launch events they would like — even big companies have this issue. But in Boston, we have a great supportive community that can help get the word out about your new product…for free.
GH: What have you learned from Boston area startups?
BC: I learn something new almost every day. I hear dozens of pitches every week and I feel a little more comfortable today than I did 8 years ago in foreseeing which startups might survive and thrive. A lot comes down to the people involved. I look at the team and I’ve learned to listen to my gut instinct more. If I feel uneasy about something, there’s likely a reason.

GH: What are some of the best resources the Boston ecosystem has to offer in your opinion?
BC: I always point people to the awesome calendars of events like Greenhorn Connect. Need to learn something? There’s probably a group that will teach you. Need to connect with someone? There’s a networking event. We have everything you could possibly need.